What do pragmatics deal with in linguistics?

Pragmatics is a branch of linguistics that focuses on how language is used in social contexts, considering the ways in which context influences meaning. This includes understanding how speakers and listeners interpret language based on situational factors, cultural norms, and social relationships. For instance, pragmatics studies how tone, context, and shared knowledge affect communication, enabling individuals to convey and interpret meaning beyond the literal words spoken.

The other options are areas of linguistics but do not align with the definition of pragmatics. Grammar involves rules that govern the structure of sentences and words, while spelling focuses specifically on the correct arrangement of letters in words. Structure refers to the syntactic composition of sentences rather than the social use of language. Thus, understanding pragmatics enhances comprehension of effective communication in different contexts.